Voltage regulator with improved protection and warning system

ABSTRACT

This invention discloses a vehicle electrical system voltage regulator with improved electrical protection and warning means that discerns and responds to regulator, generator, or vehicle electrical system operation and malfunctions. The regulator includes monitoring, control, and protection circuits with a phase signal monitor, a field switching circuit that operates the field coil in response to electrical power demands, and a field enable switch in series with the field regulating switch. The phase monitor and protection circuit ascertains and transmits generator rotational motion for use by the monitoring and control circuit in discerning the various operating conditions. The monitoring and control circuit operates on the field switching circuit to meet the electrical power demands and provide multi level fault protection to include field switching circuit reconfiguration to continue operating under various fault conditions. A warning and diagnostic system incorporating visual indicators and communication lines provide descriptive system information for use by the vehicle&#39;s operator and computer network, respectively.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a division of a co-pendingnon-provisional patent application entitled “Voltage Regulator WithImproved Protection and Warning System,” filed Jun. 22, 2005, as U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/158,799 by the same inventor. This patentapplication claims the benefit of the filing date of the citednon-provisional patent application according to the statutes and rulesgoverning non-provisional patent applications, particularly 35 USC§§120, 121, and 37 CFR §1.78. The specification and drawings of thecited non-provisional patent application are specifically incorporatedherein by reference.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection tothe facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as itappears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, butotherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is related to vehicle electrical systems comprising agenerator which includes a voltage regulator. In particular, thisinvention relates to a voltage regulator, comprising a system andmethod, which monitors, controls, and protects the vehicle electricalsystem by ascertaining operating states of its own and said generator.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to vehicle electrical systems whichcomprise a generator including a voltage regulator and electricalcomponents. Such electrical components include, but are not limited to,one or more stored energy sources, electrical loads such asinstrumentation, electronic vehicle control systems, heating elements,lights, stereo systems, wiring system, and/or any other electricaldevice which may either supply or consume electrical energy to or fromsaid vehicle electrical system. More specifically, the present inventionfocuses on a voltage regulator, including a system and method, which maybe utilized in a vehicle electrical system to provide improvedelectrical protection, continued regulated operation, and warning to thevehicle electrical system even in the event of various electricalfailures. The voltage regulator is configured to monitor, control, andprotect said electrical components, generator, and its own system andoperation, by including a monitor/control/protection (MCP) circuit and afield switching (FS) circuit. Of particular utility, said MCP and FScircuits are configured to discern and respond to various failure modesof the vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulator is furthercapable of reconfiguring its components to allow it to continue normaloperation even when certain components fail to function properly. Morespecifically, the MCP circuit is capable of reconfiguring a protectivecomponent of the FS circuit to function as an operative component whenthe operative component of the FS circuit fails to function properly.

Vehicle electrical systems are normally comprised of electricalcomponents, such as the above mentioned devices, and a generatorincluding a voltage regulator. The generator supplies electrical powerto the vehicle electrical system when the vehicle's engine is operating.The voltage regulator's primary function is to regulate the generator'soutput power at a specific reference voltage. Modern voltage regulatorsalso function to monitor and control the generator's performance toprotect the vehicle electrical system, see for example Becker et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,661, and Jabaji, U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,233. It isdesirable, however, to monitor and control not only the generator'sperformance, but also that of the voltage regulator and the rest of thevehicle electrical system, and further to be able to discern, respond,and communicate the failure modes of these components to the vehicle'scomputer network and/or the vehicle's operator. It is also desirable tobe able to reconfigure the voltage regulator's components so that it maycontinue normal operation without the use of additional redundantcomponents.

The generator converts an engine's mechanical power into electricalpower. The engine's mechanical power, in the form of a torque at arotational speed, is exerted on the generator via a coupling mechanism,such as a drive belt. When the generator's field coil conducts electriccurrent while the rotor is turning, the stators experience changingmagnetic flux that induces alternating electric current which isconverted to direct current by rectifiers. The voltage regulator isdesigned to regulate the output power of said generator by switchingon/off the generator's field coil. Specifically, the regulator seeks tomaintain the generator output power at a specific operating voltage, forexample 28 Volts. A vehicle electrical system is designed to operatewithin a designated range of this operating voltage, for instance ±0.5Volts. Voltage variations beyond this envelope, signified as overvoltage and under voltage conditions, may cause damage to the vehicleelectrical system. Over voltage may burn electrical components, whileunder voltage may deplete the batteries to the point of disabling thevehicle.

Over voltage and under voltage conditions may occur as a result of amalfunctioning generator, voltage regulator, and/or faulty vehicleelectrical components. Generator failure may occur as a result of afaulty field coil, stator winding, or diode trio, to name a fewexamples. Voltage regulator failure may occur as a result of a faultyswitching transistor. A vehicle electrical circuit component, such asthe cable connecting the generator to the battery, may result in an openbattery circuit if it breaks or becomes unfastened due to excessivevibrations.

A common design of generators is such that the field coil is connectedto the vehicle battery at one end, and grounded at the other end via aswitching transistor included in the voltage regulator. The voltageregulator senses the generator output voltage and controls the fieldcoil current to maintain a constant voltage according to the regulator'sinternal voltage reference as external electrical loads within thelimits of the generator output power capacity are added and removed.This is generally achieved by making current flow through the fieldwinding whenever output voltage drops below the reference voltage, andstopping the flow of current through the field winding whenever theoutput voltage rises above the reference voltage. The voltage regulatorswitches on/off the field coil by turning on/off its field switchingtransistor.

It is possible for the generator to cause an over voltage or an undervoltage condition, irrespective of the voltage regulator's operatingstates. For instance, a generator whose field coil has made contact withthe generator's frame may conduct field current to cause an over voltagecondition even though the voltage regulator has turned off its fieldswitching transistor. Alternatively, an under voltage condition mayoccur if the generator's stator windings or output connector develop afault that reduces the generator output, even though the voltageregulator is performing properly.

It is similarly possible that the voltage regulator may cause an overvoltage or an under voltage condition, irrespective of the generator'soperating states. If a voltage regulator's field switching transistorfails in a short circuit mode it causes an over voltage condition. If avoltage regulator's field switching transistor fails in an open circuitmode it causes an under voltage condition. Such over voltage and undervoltage conditions may occur even though the generator is properlyperforming its operation.

Although various systems have been proposed which touch upon someaspects of the above problems, they do not provide solutions to theexisting limitations in monitoring, controlling, and protecting thevehicle electrical system. For example, the Renehan patent, U.S. Pat.No. 6,670,792 discloses electrical circuitry, apparatus, and methods ofoperation of said structures for regulating electrical power output by agenerator via sensing current flow through the field coil of saidgenerator, but does not provide the protection and warning capabilitiesof the present invention. The Karlich patent, AU 597900, discloses avoltage regulator circuit which includes an over voltage protectioncircuitry due to faulty wire connections, but does not discern and/orrespond to other modes of failures. In Schramm et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,162,720, the means for recognition of faults and protection includesan additional voltage regulator device, which is independent of thevoltage regulator and operates in place of the voltage regulator whenthere is a defective connection in the voltage regulator, while in thepresent invention there is no need for an additional voltage regulator.Therefore, there is a need for a voltage regulator that can discern andprotect against the vehicle electrical system failures. There is also aneed for a voltage regulator that can reconfigure certain internalcomponents in order to continue normal operation without implementingadditional redundant systems. It is also highly desirable to have awarning and diagnostic system, incorporating visual indicators andcommunication lines, to provide descriptive system information for useby the vehicle's operator and computer network, respectively.

Modern vehicles rely heavily on their on-board electrical powergenerating device. A generator including a voltage regulator is suchdevice. The voltage regulator functions to control and manage theelectrical power generated by the generator. Vehicle electricalcomponents may be damaged if either the generator or voltage regulatormalfunctions. A voltage regulator that can properly protect againstthese malfunctions, irrespective of which device is the cause of themalfunction, and is able to reconfigure its components in order tomaintain system operation under a variety of faults is desired.Furthermore, a voltage regulator that is capable of discerning andcommunicating vehicle electrical system failures to either the vehicleoperator or computer network is needed.

SUMMARY

The present invention discloses a voltage regulator, including a systemand method, which provides improved protection and warning to a vehicleelectrical system. Preferably, the voltage regulator is coupled with agenerator, included in the vehicle electrical system, wherein thevoltage regulator ascertains both its own operating states and those ofthe generator's and responds accordingly. Thus, the voltage regulator iscapable of discerning between voltage regulator failure and generatorfailure. The voltage regulator is further capable of reconfiguring aprotective component to function as an operative component, when thelatter fails to function properly. The voltage regulator comprises amonitor/control/protection (MCP) circuit and a field switching (FS)circuit. The voltage regulator is configured such that the MCP circuitreceives input signals to determine the operating states of thegenerator and the FS circuit. The FS circuit, comprising a field enableswitch and a field regulating switch, operates on the generator's fieldcoil to regulate the generator's output power and to provide a redundantmechanism for improved protection and system reliability. The fieldregulating switch switches on/off the field coil to regulate thegenerator's output power while the field enable switchactivates/deactivates the field regulating switch in order to provideredundant protection to the vehicle electrical system. In the event thatthe field regulating switch fails in a short circuit mode, the MCPcircuit reconfigures the field enable switch to function as the fieldregulating switch, i.e. switch on/off the field coil in order tomaintain the generator output power at a specific operating voltage. Thevoltage regulator is further configured to provide warning anddiagnostic signals to the vehicle electrical system.

In one aspect, a vehicle electrical system is disclosed comprising agenerator and a voltage regulator connected to and in communication withthe generator and the vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulatoris configured to ascertain its own operating states and those of thegenerator's, and to provide improved protection and warning to thevehicle electrical system. Preferably, the voltage regulator isconfigured such that the MCP circuit receives an output signal from thegenerator's output terminal and a field coil feedback signal form the FScircuit, in order to ascertain the operating states of the generator andvoltage regulator. In one instance, the MCP circuit monitors the outputsignal and the field coil feedback signal and activates the field coilwhen a voltage of said output signal resides within a pre-determinedoutput voltage range and the field coil feedback signal corresponds tothe FS circuit switching on/off the field coil at least once within apre-determined time interval. The MCP circuit deactivates the field coilwhen either the output signal or the field coil feedback signal fails tomeet the described conditions. In one instance, the voltage regulator isconfigured such that the MCP circuit further monitors a voltage level ofa battery coupled with the generator and re-activates the field coilwhen the voltage level falls below a pre-determined value, for example,90% of the battery nominal voltage. In another instance, the voltageregulator is configured such that the MCP circuit re-activates the fieldcoil when a signal is received from a supervisory system.

In another aspect, a vehicle electrical system is disclosed comprising agenerator and a voltage regulator connected to and in communication withthe generator and the vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulatoris configured to ascertain its own operating states and those of thegenerator's, and to provide improved protection and warning to thevehicle electrical system. Preferably, the system further includesstatus indicators in order to provide status information regarding theoperating states of the generator and voltage regulator. Preferably, thevoltage regulator comprises visual indicators, such as light emittingdiodes (LEDs) which generate flashing light patterns indicative of saidoperating states. The voltage regulator may include a diagnosticterminal where a diagnostic signal is provided regarding the operatingstates of the generator and voltage regulator. The voltage regulator mayfurther incorporate a communication port where the operating states arecommunicated to a computer system of the vehicle.

In another aspect, a vehicle electrical system is disclosed comprising agenerator and a voltage regulator connected to and in communication withthe generator and the vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulatoris configured to ascertain its own operating states and those of thegenerator's, and to provide improved protection and warning to thevehicle electrical system. Preferably, the voltage regulator isconfigured such that the FS circuit deactivates the field coil whenthere is excessive electrical current passing through it. In oneinstance, a turn-to-turn short in the generator's field coil causesexcessive electrical current in both the field enable switch and thefield regulating switch. These switches automatically turn off whenexcessive electrical current passes through them. In another instance, afield coil that has made contact with ground in places other than itsground lead continues to conduct current even after the FS circuit isoff. Under this condition also, the field enable switch and fieldregulating switches turn off independently, thus providing a redundantsystem to inhibit failure effects.

In another aspect, a vehicle electrical system is disclosed comprising agenerator and a voltage regulator connected to and in communication withthe generator and the vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulatoris configured to ascertain its own operating states and those of thegenerator's, and to provide improved protection and warning to thevehicle electrical system. Preferably, the system is further configuredsuch that the generator comprises a phase terminal and an energizeterminal. The phase terminal carries an alternating current (AC) signalproportional to a rotational speed of the generator's rotary shaft, andthe energize terminal carries an energize signal indicating an on/offstate of the vehicle engine. The MCP circuit is further configured toreceive these signals to assist in determining the operating states ofthe generator and voltage regulator. In one instance, the MCP circuitmonitors the AC signal and the energize signal and activates the fieldcoil when both signals are present, and deactivates it when eithersignal is absent.

In another aspect, a vehicle electrical system is disclosed comprising agenerator and a voltage regulator connected to and in communication withthe generator and the vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulatoris configured to ascertain both its own operating states and those ofthe generator, and to provide improved protection and warning to thevehicle electrical system. Preferably, the voltage regulator comprises aprocessor and a field switching circuit. The voltage regulator isconfigured such that the processor receives input signals, similar tothose received by the MCP circuit, to determine the operating states ofthe generator and voltage regulator. In one instance, the processormonitors the output signal and the field coil feedback signal andactivates the field coil when a voltage of said output signal resideswithin a pre-determined output voltage range and the field coil feedbacksignal corresponds to the FS circuit switching on/off the field coil atleast once within a pre-determined time interval. The processordeactivates the field coil when either the output signal or the fieldcoil feedback signal fails to meet the described conditions.

In another aspect, a vehicle electrical system is disclosed comprising agenerator and a voltage regulator connected to and in communication withthe generator and the vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulatoris configured to ascertain both its own operating states and those ofthe generator, and to provide improved protection and warning to thevehicle electrical system. Preferably, the voltage regulator comprises aprocessor and a field switching circuit, wherein the field switchingcircuit comprises a field enable switch and a field regulating switch.In one instance, the processor monitors the field coil feedback signaland reconfigures the field enable switch to function as the fieldregulating switch when the latter fails to operate properly.Specifically, the processor switches on/off the field enable switch whenthe field coil feedback signal indicates that the field regulatingswitch has not switched on/off the field coil at least once within apre-determined time interval.

In another aspect, a vehicle electrical system is disclosed comprising agenerator and a voltage regulator connected to and in communication withthe generator and the vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulatoris configured to ascertain its own operating states and those of thegenerator's, and to provide improved protection and warning to thevehicle electrical system. Preferably, the voltage regulator comprises aprocessor and a field switching (FS) circuit. The FS circuit comprises afield enable switch and a first and a second field regulating switches.The field enable switch operates on both the first and second fieldregulating switches which are connected in parallel. This configurationpermits the voltage regulator to work properly even when the fieldenable switch fails in a short-circuit mode and the first or secondfield regulating switches fail in a short-circuit and/or open-circuitmode, simultaneously.

In another aspect, a vehicle electrical system is disclosed comprising agenerator and a voltage regulator connected to and in communication withthe generator and the vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulatoris configured to ascertain its own operating states and those of thegenerator's, and to provide improved protection and warning to thevehicle electrical system. Preferably, the voltage regulator comprises aprocessor and a field switching (FS) circuit. The FS circuit comprises afirst and a second field enable switches and a first and a second fieldregulating switches. The first pair, comprising the first enable switchand the first regulating switch which are connected in series, and thesecond pair, comprising the second enable switch and the secondregulating switch are also connected in series, wherein both pairsoperate on the field coil independently. This configuration permits thevoltage regulator to operate properly even when both a field enableswitch and a field regulating switch fail simultaneously in either ashort-circuit and/or an open-circuit mode.

In one aspect, a method is disclosed comprising monitoring andcontrolling a generator and a voltage regulator in a vehicle electricalsystem. The method comprises determining operating states of thegenerator and voltage regulator and providing redundant protection andimproved warning to the vehicle electrical system. Preferably, themethod comprises monitoring an output of the generator and a fieldswitching (FS) circuit of the voltage regulator to ascertain one or moreoperating states of said generator and voltage regulator, andactivating/deactivating the generator's field coil via said FS circuitaccording to the ascertained operating states. In one instance, themethod comprises activating the field coil when the generator's outputvoltage is within a pre-determined output voltage range and a switchinginterval of the FS circuit is within a pre-determined time interval, anddeactivating said field coil if these conditions are not met. In anotherinstance, the method further comprises re-activating the field coil whena voltage level of a battery, coupled with the vehicle electricalsystem, falls below a pre-determined value.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed comprising monitoring andcontrolling a generator and a voltage regulator in a vehicle electricalsystem. The method comprises determining operating states of thegenerator and voltage regulator and providing redundant protection andimproved warning to the vehicle electrical system. Preferably, themethod comprises monitoring an FS circuit of the voltage regulator andreconfiguring a protective component of the FS circuit to function as anoperative component of the FS circuit when the latter fails to functionproperly. More specifically, the method comprises reconfiguring theprotective component to switch on/off the generator's field coil whenthe operative component fails to switch on/off the field coil.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed comprising monitoring andcontrolling a generator and a voltage regulator in a vehicle electricalsystem. The method comprises determining operating states of thegenerator and voltage regulator and providing redundant protection andimproved warning to the vehicle electrical system. Preferably, themethod comprises monitoring an output of the generator and a switchinginterval of a field regulating switch included in a field switching (FS)circuit of the voltage regulator to ascertain one or more operatingstates of said generator and voltage regulator, andactivating/deactivating the generator's field coil via a field enableswitch included in the FS circuit according to the ascertained operatingstates. In one instance, the method comprises activating the field coilwhen the generator's output voltage is within a pre-determined outputvoltage range and the switching interval of the field regulating switchis within a pre-determined time interval, and deactivating said fieldcoil if these conditions are not met.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed comprising monitoring andcontrolling a generator and a voltage regulator in a vehicle electricalsystem. The method comprises determining operating states of thegenerator and voltage regulator and providing redundant protection andimproved warning to the vehicle electrical system. Preferably, themethod comprises monitoring a switching interval of a field regulatingswitch included in a FS circuit of the voltage regulator andreconfiguring a field enable switch included in the FS circuit to switchon/off the generator's field coil when the field regulating switch failsto switch on/off the field coil at least once within a pre-determinedtime interval.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed comprising monitoring andcontrolling a generator and a voltage regulator in a vehicle electricalsystem. The method comprises determining operating states of thegenerator and voltage regulator and providing redundant protection andimproved warning to the vehicle electrical system. Preferably, themethod comprises monitoring an output of the generator and a switchinginterval of a first field regulating switch and a second fieldregulating switch included in a field switching (FS) circuit of thevoltage regulator to ascertain one or more operating states of saidgenerator and voltage regulator, and activating/deactivating thegenerator's field coil via a field enable switch included in the FScircuit according to the ascertained operating states. In one instance,the method comprises activating the field coil when the generator'soutput voltage is within a pre-determined output voltage range and theswitching interval of the first and second field regulating switches arewithin a pre-determined time interval, and deactivating said field coilif these conditions are not met. In another instance, the method furthercomprises switching on/off the field enable switch when the first fieldregulating switch and/or the second field regulating switch fail toswitch on/off the field coil within the pre-determined time interval.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed comprising monitoring andcontrolling a generator and a voltage regulator in a vehicle electricalsystem. The method comprises determining operating states of thegenerator and voltage regulator and providing redundant protection andimproved warning to the vehicle electrical system. Preferably, themethod comprises monitoring an output of the generator and a switchinginterval of a first field regulating switch and a second fieldregulating switch included in a field switching (FS) circuit of thevoltage regulator to ascertain one or more operating states of saidgenerator and voltage regulator, and activating/deactivating thegenerator's field coil via a first field enable switch and/or a secondfield enable switch included in the FS circuit according to theascertained operating states. In one instance, the method comprisesactivating the field coil when the generator's output voltage is withina pre-determined output voltage range and the switching interval of thefirst and second field regulating switches are within a pre-determinedtime interval, and deactivating said field coil if these conditions arenot met. In another instance, the method further comprises switchingon/off the first field enable switch and/or the second field enableswitch when the first field regulating switch and/or the second fieldregulating switch fail to switch on/off the field coil within thepre-determined time interval.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed comprising monitoring andcontrolling a generator and a voltage regulator in a vehicle electricalsystem. The method comprises determining operating states of thegenerator and voltage regulator and providing redundant protection andimproved warning to the vehicle electrical system. Preferably, themethod includes providing status indicators that communicate theoperating states of the generator and voltage regulator to the vehicleelectrical system. In one instance, the method provides communicatingvia visual indicators, diagnostic signals, and communication portscoupled with the vehicle computer system, or any combination thereof.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed comprising monitoring andcontrolling a generator and a voltage regulator in a vehicle electricalsystem. The method comprises determining operating states of thegenerator and voltage regulator and providing redundant protection andimproved warning to the vehicle electrical system. Preferably, themethod includes automatically shutting off the FS circuit when there isexcessive electrical current through the field coil due to either aturn-to-turn short or a grounded state.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed comprising monitoring andcontrolling a generator and a voltage regulator in a vehicle electricalsystem. The method comprises determining operating states of thegenerator and voltage regulator and providing redundant protection andimproved warning to the vehicle electrical system. Preferably, themethod includes further monitoring a stator phase signal and an energizesignal to determine the operating states of the generator and voltageregulator. In one instance, the method comprises activating the fieldcoil when both signals are present and deactivating it when eithersignal disappears.

The following claims define the present invention. The foregoingexplanations, descriptions, illustrations, examples, and discussionsregarding this, invention have been set forth to demonstrate the utilityand novelty of this invention and are by no means restrictive of itsscope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a voltage regulator in a vehicleelectrical system according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the voltageregulator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the voltageregulator of FIG. 1 implementing a processor.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a field switching circuit according toa preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a field switching circuit according toa preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one preferred method of operation of thevoltage regulator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of one preferred method of operation of thevoltage regulator of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a voltageregulator 5, connected to and in communication with a generator 140,included in a vehicle electrical system. The voltage regulator 5operates to monitor, control, and protect the vehicle electrical system.The voltage regulator inputs comprise an AC-In line 20, an energize line25, a positive line 30, and a negative line 35. The AC-In line 20 andenergize line 25 are connected to the generator 140 wherein a signal onthese lines are used by the voltage regulator 5 to determine operatingstates of the generator, and to initiate its power-up procedure. Thepositive line 30 is connected to an output of the generator 140 andutilized by the voltage regulator 5 to power the generator field coil110, and monitor the generator's output. The negative line 35 provides areturn route for the electrical current. The voltage regulator outputscomprise a field line 115, an AC-Out line 120, a D+ line 125, and alight emitting diode (LED) 130. The field line 115 is connected to thegenerator's field coil 110 wherein the voltage regulator 5 controls thefield coil current to maintain a constant voltage. The AC-Out line 120provides an output signal which may be used by the vehicle electricalsystem to obtain a rotational speed (RPM) of the generator 140. The D+line 125 provides a warning signal as to the operating states of thevoltage regulator 5 and the generator 140. The LED 130 complements theD+ line 125 in providing a visual warning signal. It is contemplatedthat in other embodiments, the AC-Out line 120 and the D+ line 125 maybe connected to the vehicle computer network where the voltage regulator5 provides information as to its own operating states and those of thegenerator 140. Other elements of the voltage regulator 5 include amonitor/control/protection (MCP) circuit 10 and a field switching (FS)circuit 15. The MCP circuit 10 includes an enable circuit 40, amonitoring and control circuit 60, and a phase monitor and protectioncircuit 55. The MCP circuit 10 is utilized to ascertain the operatingstates of the generator 140 and voltage regulator 5 and controls the FScircuit 15 accordingly. The FS circuit 15 comprises a field enableswitch 80 and a field regulating switch 90. The FS circuit 15 operatesto activate/deactivate the generator field coil 110 in response to saidoperating states, received from the MCP circuit 10. The field enableswitch 80 and field regulating switch 90 are interchangeable and thusactivating/deactivating, switching on/switching off, and shuttingon/shutting off said switches involve the same process.

In one embodiment, the voltage regulator 5 is connected to and incommunication with the generator 140, via the AC-In line 20, theenergize line 25, the positive line 30, and the negative line 35. TheAC-In line 20 carries an oscillating signal 145, a frequency of which isused to determine an RPM of the generator 140. If a signal is present onthis line, it is indicative that the generator shaft is rotating and thegenerator 140 is capable of producing electrical power. The energizeline 25 carries an energize signal 150 which is indicative that thevehicle engine has been turned on. According to one configuration, theremaybe a signal 150 on the energize line 25 although the vehicle engineis not turning. Consequently, in this configuration both signals 145 and150 must be present to indicate that the vehicle engine is running. Itshould be clear to those practiced in the art that presence and absenceof a signal may be ascertained through its amplitude and/or frequency.The positive line 30 carries electrical current to the field coil 110.The MCP circuit 10 receives a signal 135, derived from the positive line30, to determine the output voltage of the generator 140. The MCPcircuit 10 utilizes one or a combination of signals from the AC-In line20, the energize line 25, and the positive line 30 to ascertainoperating states of the generator 140. The FS circuit 15 receivescommands from the MCP circuit 10, corresponding to said operatingstates, to switch on/off a field signal 115.

In one embodiment, the MCP circuit 10, activates the generator fieldcoil 110 via the FS circuit 15, assuming it ascertains that the FScircuit 15 is operating properly and that the signal 135 on the positiveline 30 is within a pre-determined value, if both signals 145 and 150are present and to deactivate it if either one is absent. Presence andabsence of a signal maybe ascertained through its amplitude and/orfrequency. For instance a voltage of the signal 150 at or above acertain level indicates its presence, and a voltage below such levelindicates its absence. Similarly, a distinct frequency of the signal 145indicates its presence, and otherwise its absence. It is contemplatedthat in other embodiments, the AC-In line 20 and the energize line 25may be connected to the vehicle computer network where the voltageregulator 5 receives the signals 145 and 150 concerning the generatorshaft's RPM and the on/off state of the vehicle engine for the purposeof ascertaining whether the generator 140 is operating properly. It isalso contemplated that in other embodiments, instead of the AC-In line20 and the energize line 25, a single sense line may be connected to thevehicle computer network where the voltage regulator 5 receivessufficient information to determine the generator shaft's RPM and theon/off state of the vehicle engine.

The voltage regulator 5 ascertains its own operating states and those ofthe generator's 140 via the MCP circuit 10. It achieves this via theenable circuit 40, the phase monitor and protection circuit 55, and themonitoring and control circuit 60. In one embodiment, the MCP circuit 10ascertains whether the generator 140 is functioning properly byutilizing the AC-In line 20, the energize line 25, and the positive line30. The MCP circuit 10 ascertains the operating states of the voltageregulator 5 by monitoring a field coil feedback signal 65 received fromthe FS circuit 15.

In one embodiment, the phase monitor and protection circuit 55 receivesthe signal 145 on the AC-In line 20 and generates a signal 45 and 105 ifthe signal 145 is present. The enable circuit 40 receives the signal 45and the signal 150 on the energize line 25, and generates a signal 50 ifboth signals on the AC-In line 20 and the energize line 25 are present.The monitoring and control circuit 60 receives the signal 50, the signal135, and the field coil feedback signal 65 from the FS circuit andgenerates signals 70 and 75 which control the field enable switch 80 andfield regulating switch 90.

According to one embodiment, the monitoring and control circuit 60monitors only the signals 135 and 65 and generates the signal 75 toswitch on/off the field regulating switch 90 to regulate the generator'soutput power, and generates the signal 70 to activate/deactivate thefield enable switch 80 to provide a redundant mechanism whereby thefield coil 110 can be deactivated even if the field regulating switch 90fails to function properly. Moreover, the operating states of thegenerator 140 and voltage regulator 5 are communicated via a signal 95,received form the FS circuit 15, to the vehicle electrical system.

For instance, the presence of signal 65 is indicative that the fieldregulating switch 90 is functioning properly and its absence means thatit is operating improperly. A field regulating switch that is operatingproperly switches on/off the field coil at least once within apre-determined time interval. Similarly, a voltage level sensed on thesignal 135 that is within a pre-determined value indicates that thegenerator 140 is functioning properly. Accordingly, when both signals 65and 135 satisfy the described conditions, the monitoring and controlcircuit 60 generates the signal 70 to instruct the FS circuit 15 toactivate the field coil 110 and to deactivate it when either signal 135or 65 fails to meet the described conditions. The FS circuit 15generates the signal 95 that provides information regarding theoperating states of the generator 140 and voltage regulator 5. In oneembodiment, the signal 95 is used via a diagnostic terminal 125 and/or alight emitting diode (LED) 130 to communicate said operating states. Inone embodiment, the FS circuit 15 deactivates the field coil 110 if thediagnostic terminal 125 is inadvertently grounded.

The voltage regulator 5 is capable of reconfiguring its components sothat it may continue normal operation even when certain components failto function properly. Specifically, it reconfigures a protectivecomponent such as the field enable switch 80 to function as an operativecomponent such the field regulating switch 90, when the latter fails tofunction properly. The voltage regulator 5 achieves this via the MCPcircuit 10 by monitoring a switching interval of the FS circuit 15.

According to one embodiment, the MCP circuit 10 is configured such thatthe monitoring and control circuit 60 monitors only the field coilfeedback signal 65 and generates a signal 70 to switch on/off the fieldenable switch 80 to regulate the generator's output power when the fieldregulating switch 90 fails to switch on/off the field coil 110 at leastonce within a pre-determined time interval. For instance, if the fieldregulating switch 90 fails in a short circuit mode, the signal 65 willbe absent. According to this embodiment, the MCP circuit 10 switcheson/off the field coil 110 via the field enable switch 80 instead of thefield regulating switch 90. Such reconfiguration of a protectivecomponent such as the field enable switch 80 into an operative componentsuch as the field regulating switch 90 is an important aspect of thepresent invention in that it allows the voltage regulator to continuenormal operation without additional redundancy in the electrical system.The FS circuit 15 generates a signal 95 that provides information to thevehicle electrical system regarding such reconfiguration in a mannersimilar to that described above.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of avoltage regulator 5 as an electrical circuit. In this embodiment,transistors 260 and 265 are connected to the energize terminal 25 andthe AC-In terminal 20 and operate to provide signals that are used indetermining the operating states of the generator 140 and on/off stateof a vehicle engine. Field enable switch 80 and field regulating switch90 are connected in series and operate to control the switchingoperation of the generator's field coil 110. Integrated circuit (IC)155, transistors 160, 175, 180, 185, 225, silicon controlled rectifier(SCR) 165, and trigger diode 220 are utilized to ascertain the operatingstates of the generator 140 and the voltage regulator 5, and to controlthe operation of the field enable switch 80 and the field regulatingswitch 90. D+ terminal 125 and LED 130 are utilized to communicate saidoperating states to the vehicle electrical system.

In one embodiment, the source terminal of the transistor 260 isconnected to the energize terminal 25 and a voltage of the energizesignal 150 is applied to the IC 155 via a signal 240, derived from thedrain terminal of the transistor 260. The signal 240 is generated onlywhen the transistor 260 is triggered by the transistor 265. Transistor265 is connected to the AC-in terminal and is triggered by the AC signal145. Consequently, according to this embodiment, both the AC signal 145and the energize signal 150 are required by the IC 155 to determine theoperating state of the generator 140. The absence of either the ACsignal 145 or the energize signal 150 indicates that the generator isnot operating properly.

In one embodiment, the IC 155 comprises two comparators that areutilized to monitor and control the output voltage of the generator 140and the switching operation of the voltage regulator 5. The IC 155 usesinput lines 190 and 195 to monitor the output voltage of the generator140 and uses input lines 205 and 210 to monitor the switching operationof the field regulating switch 90. The IC 155 uses an output line 200 toactivate/deactivate the field enable switch 80 in response to the outputvoltage of the generator 140 and uses output line 215 to control theswitching operation of the field regulating switch 90, also in responseto the generator's output voltage. The output line 215 switches on/offthe field regulating switch 90 via the transistor 185. The output line200 activates/deactivates the field enable switch 80 via the transistors175, 255, 160, the trigger diode 220, and the SCR 165.

In one embodiment, the input line 190 and 195 are used to compare thegenerator's output voltage with a reference voltage. The IC 155deactivates the field enable switch 80 via the output line 200 when anover voltage condition is detected. For instance, in a vehicleelectrical system where the system voltage is set to operate at 28Volts, the IC 155 deactivates the field enable switch 80 when a voltageof 33 Volts is detected. In order to avoid inadvertent deactivation ofthe field enable switch 80 due to voltage transients, the circuitincludes transistor 180 and capacitor 270 so that the field enableswitch 80 is deactivated when the over voltage condition lasts for apre-determined time interval, say three (3) seconds.

In one embodiment, the field enable switch 80 is independentlyactivated/deactivated in response to operating states of the generator140, via the transistors 175, 255, 160, the trigger diode 220, and theSCR 165. When an over voltage condition is detected, the IC 155 triggersthe transistor 175 via the output line 200. The transistor 175 triggersthe transistor 255 via an input line 275 which causes the trigger diode220 to trigger the SCR 165 which, in turn, triggers the transistor 165.When the transistor 165 is triggered, it deactivates the field enableswitch 80 which cuts off electrical current from the positive line 245to the field regulating switch 90 at 85. Upon activation/deactivation ofthe field enable switch 80, a signal 100 is generated that providesstatus information as to the operating states of the generator 140, viathe D+ terminal 125 and the LED 130.

In one embodiment, the field enable switch 80 is independentlyactivated/deactivated in response to operating states of the voltageregulator 5, via the transistors 175, 255, 160, the trigger diode 220,and the SCR 165. When the field regulating switch 90 is operatingproperly, the field coil 110 must necessarily be switched on/off withina pre-determined time interval, for instance fifty (50) milliseconds. Afield coil feedback signal 65 operates upon the transistor 255 whichcauses the field enable switch 80 to be activated/deactivated via thetrigger diode 220, the SCR 165, and the transistor 160 as describedabove. Upon activation/deactivation of the field enable switch 80, asignal 100 is generated that provides status information as to theoperating states of the voltage regulator 5, via the D+ terminal 125 andthe LED 130.

In one embodiment, the field enable switch 80 is reconfigured to switchon/off the field coil 110 instead of deactivating it when the fieldregulating switch 90 fails in a short circuit mode. According to thisembodiment, when the field coil feedback signal 65 is indicative of ashorted field regulating switch 90, the field coil 110 is switchedon/off via the field enable switch 80 so that the voltage regulator 5may continue normal operation. Upon the reconfiguration of the fieldenable switch 80, a signal 100 is generated that provides statusinformation as to such reconfiguration of the field enable switch 80,via the D+ terminal 125 and the LED 130.

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of avoltage regulator 5 implementing a processor 280. In this embodiment,the processor 280 performs similar tasks as those using analogcomponents as illustrated in FIG. 2. The processor 280 receives inputsignals similar to those received by the MCP circuit 10. The processor280 is connected to the positive line 30, the energize terminal 25, andthe AC-In terminal 20 to ascertain the operating states of the generator140 and on/off state of a vehicle engine. The processor 280 is furtherconnected to the field coil 110 and receives a field coil feedbacksignal 65 to ascertain the operating states of the voltage regulator 5.Field enable switch 80 and field regulating switch 90 are connected inseries and operate to switch on/off the field coil 110. Transistors 160and 185 are triggered by the processor via signals 305 and 310 and areutilized to activate/deactivate the field enable switch 80 and fieldregulating switch 90. The processor 280 is further capable ofreconfiguring a protective component such as the field enable switch 80to operate as an operative component such as the field regulating switch90 when the latter fails to function properly. The processor 280communicates the operating states of the generator 140 and the voltageregulator 5 to the vehicle electrical system via the LED 130 and D+terminal 125.

In one embodiment, the processor 280 monitors an output voltage of thegenerator 140 via the signal 245 to ascertain the operating states ofthe generator 140, and monitors a field coil feedback signal 65 toascertain the operating states of the voltage regulator 5. The processor280 activates the field coil 110 via the field enable switch 80 when thegenerator 140 and voltage regulator 5 are operating properly anddeactivates the field coil via the field enable switch 80 when eitherthe generator 140 or the voltage regulator 5 operates improperly. Theprocessor achieves this by applying a signal 305 to the transistor 160.The processor 280 switches on/off the field coil 110 via the fieldregulating switch 90 to regulate the generator's output. The processor280 achieves this by applying a signal 310 to the transistor 185.

In one embodiment, the processor 280 reconfigures the field enableswitch 80 to take on the operation of the field regulating switch 90when the latter fails. Specifically, the processor 280 monitors thesignal 65 and switches on/off the field coil 110, via the field enableswitch 80 when the field regulating switch 90 fails in a short circuitmode. When the field regulating switch 90 fails in a short circuit mode,it fails to switch on/off the field coil 110 at least once within apre-determined time interval. The processor 280 may be configured tore-start an internal timer every time it encounters either a fallingedge or a rising edge in the signal 65. This embodiment permits theregulator 5 to operate properly even when the field regulating switch 90and/or the field enable switch 80 fail in a short circuit mode. Theprocessor 280 communicates such reconfiguration of the field enableswitch 80 and the failure of the field regulating switch 90 to thevehicle electrical system via the LED 130 and D+ terminal 125.

In one embodiment, depicted in FIG. 4, the voltage regulator utilizes afirst and a second field regulating switches 90 and 300, respectively.The first and second field regulating switches 90 and 300 are connectedin a parallel configuration, allowing the processor 280 to switch on/offthe field coil 110 independently by applying a signal 310 to thetransistor 185. The switching operation of the first and second fieldregulating switches 90 and 300 is monitored by the processor 280 via asignal 65. The processor 280 activates/deactivates the field enableswitch 80 when the first and second field regulating switches areoperating properly/improperly as described above, by applying a signal305 to the transistor 160. This embodiment permits the voltage regulator5 to operate properly when the field enable switch 80 fails in a shortcircuit mode, and/or the first and second field regulating switches faileither in short circuit or open circuit mode, simultaneously. Theprocessor 280 communicates the failure to the vehicle electrical systemvia the LED 130 and D+terminal 125.

In one embodiment, depicted in FIG. 5, the voltage regulator utilizes afirst and a second field enable switches 80 and 355, respectively, and afirst and a second field regulating switches 90 and 300, respectively.The processor 280 switches on/off the field coil 1 10 via the first andsecond field regulating switches 90 and 300 by applying a signal 310 tothe transistor 185. The processor 280 activates/deactivates the fieldcoil 110 via the first and second field enable switches 80 and 355 byapplying a signal 305 to the transistor 160 and a signal 360 to thetransistor 350. This embodiment permits the voltage regulator 5 tooperate properly when the filed enable switches 80 and 355 fail eitherin a in a short-circuit or open-circuit mode, and/or the first andsecond field regulating switches fail either in short-circuit oropen-circuit mode, simultaneously. The processor 280 communicates thefailure to the vehicle electrical system via the LED 130 and D+ terminal125.

Utilizing the system described in FIG. 1, one embodiment of theoperation of voltage regulator 5 is now described. The voltage regulator5 utilizes a signal 145 on an AC-In line 20, a signal 150 on an energizeline 25, a signal 135 on a positive line 30, or any combination thereof,in ascertaining operating states of a generator 140. The voltageregulator 5 comprises a MCP circuit 10 and a FS circuit 15. The MCPcircuit 10 is utilized to ascertain the operating states of thegenerator and the FS circuit 15. The FS circuit 15 is utilized tocontrol the generator's output power and provide redundant systemprotection via a signal 115 operative on a field coil 110. The voltageregulator 5 utilizes a signal 95, a signal 100, a signal 105 or anycombination thereof to communicate said operating states of thegenerator 140 and the voltage regulator 5 to a vehicle electricalsystem.

In one situation, the voltage regulator 5 utilizes the signals 145 and150 to ascertain the operating states of the generator 140. Presence ofthe signal 145 indicates that the generator's shaft is rotating.Presence of the signal 150 indicates that the vehicle engine isoperating. Ordinarily, the generator is driven by the vehicle engine viaa driving belt. When the belt is broken or loose, the generator's shaftstops rotating and the signal 145 is absent, while the signal 150 ispresent. The voltage regulator 5 deactivates the field coil 110 via thesignal 115 and generates the signal 105 to communicate the generator'sshaft status.

In one situation, the voltage regulator 5 utilizes the signals 145 and150 to ascertain the operating states of the generator 140. Presence ofthe signal 145 indicates that the generator's shaft is rotating.Presence of the signal 150 indicates that the vehicle engine isoperating. In most vehicle electrical systems, the signal 150 isgenerated by a device, say an oil pressure switch, that turns on whenthe vehicle engine is operating. In a system where there is no suchswitch, the signal 150 is generated when the vehicle ignition switchturns on without the engine actually operating. However, the signal 145is absent because the generator's shaft is not rotating. The voltageregulator 5 deactivates the field coil 110 via the signal 1 15 andgenerates the signal 105 to communicate the generator's shaft status.

In one situation, the voltage regulator 5 utilizes the FS circuit 15 toprovide redundant system protection and regulate the generator's outputpower by including a field enable switch 80 and a field regulatingswitch 90. The MCP circuit 10 monitors and controls these switches todetermine the operating states of the FS circuit 15. Ordinarily, only afield regulating switch 90 is utilized to regulate the generator'soutput by switching on/off the signal 115 which turns on/off the fieldcoil 110. When the field regulating switch 90 fails as a short circuit,the signal 115 turns on and remains on causing system over voltage. Byincluding the field enable switch 80, the MCP circuit 10 is capable ofturning off the field coil 110 even when the field regulating switch 90is inoperative, thus providing a redundant system protection. When thefield enable switch 80 is deactivated, the signal 95 and 100 aregenerated to communicate the status of the field enable switch 80.

In one situation, the voltage regulator 5 utilizes the FS circuit 15 toprovide redundant system protection and regulate the generator's outputpower by including a field enable switch 80 and a field regulatingswitch 90. A signal 65 is monitored to ascertain whether the fieldregulating switch 90 is operating properly, i.e., switching on/off thefield coil 110 at least once within a pre-determined time interval. TheMCP circuit 10 monitors the signal 65 and deactivates the field enableswitch 80 if the signal 65 is not present, independently andirrespective of any over voltage condition that may or may not arise.When the field enable switch 80 is deactivated, the signal 95 and 100are generated to communicate the status of the field enable switch 80.

In one situation, the voltage regulator 5 reconfigures a protectivecomponent such as the field enable switch 80 to function as an operativecomponent such as the field regulating switch 90. When the fieldregulating switch 90 fails in a short circuit mode, the MCP circuit 10switches on/off the field enable switch 80 to ensure proper operation ofthe vehicle electrical system until the latter is repaired. The signal95 and 100 are generated to communicate the status of the fieldregulating switch 90.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of one method of operating the voltageregulator 5. Upon power up, the voltage regulator monitors the energizeand AC signals at 410. It determines whether the energize signal ispresent at 420. If the energize signal is absent, it generates a signal425 whereby the field enable switch is deactivated and the operatingstate is communicated to the vehicle electrical system at 445. If theenergize signal is present, it continues to ascertain the presence ofthe AC signal at 435. If there is no AC signal present, a signal 440 isgenerated which deactivates the field enable switch and communicates theoperating state to the vehicle electrical system at 445.

The voltage regulator 5 monitors the generator's output and its fieldswitching circuit at 455. It determines whether the generator outputvoltage is within a pre-determined voltage range at 470. If thegenerator's output is not within the pre-determined voltage range, itgenerates a signal 495, deactivating the field enable switch andcommunicating the operating state at 445.

The voltage regulator 5 monitors the generator's output and its fieldswitching circuit at 455. It determines whether the field switchingcircuit is operating properly by monitoring its switching operation. Ifthe field switching circuit fails to switch on/off within apre-determined time interval, a signal 480 is generated that deactivatesthe field enable switch and communicates the operating state at 445.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of one method of operating the voltageregulator 5. The method includes processes described in FIG.6. Inaddition, the method includes reconfiguring a protective component ofthe voltage regulator 5, such as the field enable switch 80, into anoperative component such as the field regulating switch 90. The methodincludes switching on/off a field enable switch at 505, when the FScircuit fails to switch on/off the field coil within a pre-determinedtime interval. The method further includes monitoring a voltage of abattery, included in the vehicle electrical system, to determine if saidvoltage is below a pre-determined value at 525. If the battery voltageis below the pre-determined value, the field enable switch isre-activated at 535.

The forgoing discloses a voltage regulator included in a vehicleelectrical system comprising a generator, whereby the voltage regulatorascertains its own operating states and those of the generator's. Thevoltage regulator operates on the generator's field coil to control itsoperation and provide redundant protection to the vehicle electricalsystem. The voltage regulator communicates the operating states to thevehicle electrical system.

The voltage regulator ascertains the generator's operating states bymonitoring signals indicative of the generator's shaft RPM, thegenerator's output voltage, the vehicle's engine on/off state, or anycombination thereof. The voltage regulator ascertains its own operatingstates by monitoring a signal indicative of a switching interval derivedfrom its switching transistors. The voltage regulator includes twoswitching transistors connected in series to provide redundantprotection in case one of the switching transistors fails.

The examples and illustrations have been used to assist the reader withunderstanding this invention and not intended to limit the scope of it.It is the following claims, including all equivalents, which areintended to define the scope of this invention.

1. A voltage regulator for a generator in a vehicle, said generator comprising a field coil, said voltage regulator comprising: (a) a field enable switch; (b) a field regulating switch responsive to said field enable switch and operative to switch on/off said field coil; and (c) a processor, including a programming code operable on the processor, coupled with an output of said generator and said field enable and field regulating switches; wherein said processor is configured to ascertain one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator by monitoring the output of said generator and a switching interval of said field regulating switch, and wherein the processor is configured to activate/deactivate said field enable switch in response to said one or more operating states.
 2. The voltage regulator of claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to activate said field enable switch when said one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator correspond to a properly operating state of said generator and a properly operating state of said voltage regulator, and to deactivate said field enable switch when said one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator correspond to an improperly operating state of said generator or an improperly operating state of said voltage regulator.
 3. The voltage regulator of claim 1, wherein said processor is further configured to switch on/off said field enable switch when said field regulating switch fails to switch on/off said field coil at least once within a pre-determined time interval.
 4. A voltage regulator for a generator in a vehicle, said generator comprising a field coil, said voltage regulator comprising: (a) a field enable switch; (b) a first field regulating switch responsive to said field enable switch and operative to switch on/off said field coil; (c) a second field regulating switch responsive to said field enable switch and operative to switch on/off said field coil; and (d) a processor, including a programming code operable on the processor, coupled with an output of said generator and said field enable, first field regulating, and second field regulating switches; wherein said processor is configured to ascertain one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator by monitoring the output of said generator and a switching interval of said first and second field regulating switches, and wherein the processor is configured to activate/deactivate said field enable switches in response to said one or more operating states.
 5. The voltage regulator of claim 4, wherein said processor is configured to activate said field enable switch when said one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator correspond to a properly operating state of said generator and a properly operating state of said voltage regulator, and to deactivate said field enable switch when said one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator correspond to an improperly operating state of said generator or an improperly operating state of said voltage regulator.
 6. A voltage regulator for a generator in a vehicle, said generator comprising a field coil, said voltage regulator comprising: (a) a first field enable switch; (b) a first field regulating switch responsive to said first field enable switch and operative to switch on/off said field coil; (c) a second field enable switch; (d) a second field regulating switch responsive to said second field enable switch and operative to switch on/off said field coil; and (e) a processor, including a programming code operable on the processor, coupled with an output of said generator and said first field enable, second field enable, first field regulating, and second field regulating switches; wherein said processor is configured to ascertain one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator by monitoring the output of said generator and a switching interval of said first and second field regulating switches, and wherein the processor is configured to activate/deactivate said first and second field enable switches in response to said one or more operating states.
 7. The voltage regulator of claim 6, wherein said one or more operating states of said voltage regulator comprises at least one of a properly operating state and an improperly operating state, wherein a properly operating state of said voltage regulator corresponding to said first or second field regulating switches switching on/off said field coil at least once within a pre-determined time interval, and an improperly operating state of said voltage regulator corresponding to said first and second field regulating switches failing to switch on/off said field coil at least once within said pre-determined time interval.
 8. The voltage regulator of claim 6, wherein said processor is configured to activate said first and second field enable switches when said one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator correspond to a properly operating state of said generator and a properly operating state of said voltage regulator, and to deactivate said first and second field enable switches when said one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator correspond to an improperly operating state of said generator or an improperly operating state of said voltage regulator.
 9. A voltage regulator for a generator in a vehicle, said generator comprising a field coil, said voltage regulator comprising: (a) a field enable switch; (b) a field regulating switch responsive to said field enable switch and operative to switch on/off said field coil; and (c) a processor, including a programming code operable on the processor, coupled with said field enable and field regulating switches; wherein said processor is configured to monitor a switching interval of said field regulating switch, and to reconfigure the field enable switch to switch on/off said field coil when the field regulating switch fails to switch on/off said field coil at least once within a pre-determined time interval.
 10. The voltage regulator of claim 1, further comprising means for communicating said one or more operating states of said generator and voltage regulator.
 11. The voltage regulator of claim 1, wherein said one or more operating states of said generator comprises at least one of a properly operating state and an improperly operating state, wherein a properly operating state of said generator corresponding to said generator output voltage residing within a pre-determined output voltage range, and an improperly operating state of said generator corresponding to said generator output voltage residing outside of said pre-determined output voltage range.
 12. The voltage regulator of claim 1, wherein said one or more operating states of said voltage regulator comprises at least one of a properly operating state and an improperly operating state, wherein a properly operating state of said voltage regulator corresponding to said field regulating switch switching on/off said field coil at least once within a pre-determined time interval, and an improperly operating state of said voltage regulator corresponding to said field regulating switch failing to switch on/off said field coil at least once within said pre-determined time interval.
 13. The voltage regulator of claim 2, wherein said processor is further configured to re-activate said field enable switch when a voltage of a battery coupled with the generator falls below a pre-determined value.
 14. The voltage regulator of claim 1, wherein said generator further comprises a rotary shaft coupled with an engine of said vehicle.
 15. The voltage regulator of claim 14, further comprising a first terminal carrying a first signal proportional to a rotational speed of said shaft.
 16. The voltage regulator of claim 15, wherein said processor is configured to monitor said first signal and to deactivate said field enable switch when said first signal is absent.
 17. The voltage regulator of claim 14, further comprising a second terminal carrying a second signal proportional to an on/off state of said engine.
 18. The voltage regulator of claim 17, wherein said processor is configured to monitor said second signal and to deactivate said field enable switch when said second signal is absent.
 19. The voltage regulator of claim 4, wherein said one or more operating states of said generator comprises at least one of a properly operating state and an improperly operating state, wherein a properly operating state of said generator corresponding to said generator output voltage residing within a pre-determined output voltage range, and an improperly operating state of said generator corresponding to said generator output voltage residing outside of said pre-determined output voltage range.
 20. The voltage regulator of claim 4, wherein said one or more operating states of said voltage regulator comprises at least one of a properly operating state and an improperly operating state, wherein a properly operating state of said voltage regulator corresponding to said field regulating switch switching on/off said field coil at least once within a pre-determined time interval, and an improperly operating state of said voltage regulator corresponding to said field regulating switch failing to switch on/off said field coil at least once within said pre-determined time interval.
 21. The voltage regulator of claim 6, wherein said one or more operating states of said generator comprises at least one of a properly operating state and an improperly operating state, wherein a properly operating state of said generator corresponding to said generator output voltage residing within a pre-determined output voltage range, and an improperly operating state of said generator corresponding to said generator output voltage residing outside of said pre-determined output voltage range. 